Purchasing the Island

In 1791, George Washington was asked by Congress to appoint three Commissioners to oversee the building of the nation’s new federal city and buildings.  After they were appointed, they, along with Washington, chose Pierre L’Enfant to explore the lands around the Potomac River to see if they could find stone suitable for the construction of the Capitol and President’s House.  They did not want to use stone from Europe, but rather use stone indigenous to the new United States of America. 

Pierre L’Enfant visited Brent’s Island in Stafford, I believe, at the encouragement of George Washington.  (George had used the stone from the island for his steps at Mount Vernon, as he was very familiar with the island since he grew up here.)  In December, 121 years ago, L’Enfant purchased the island for 1,800 pounds or $5,400.  He was purchasing it for the U.S. Government. 
                                           Jane C., historian